Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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🍌 Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe 🍞

A Warm Hug in Every Swirl — Where Banana Bread Meets the Sweet Heart of a Cinnamon Roll

📖 Introduction

Imagine the cozy comfort of banana bread meeting the gooey swirl of a cinnamon roll. These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion — soft, fluffy, sweet, and filled with that nostalgic banana flavor, topped with cream cheese icing. Whether you’re baking for a lazy Sunday morning or a holiday brunch, this recipe will make your kitchen smell like heaven and your heart feel full.

🕰️ A Bite of History

  • Banana Bread dates back to the 1930s during the Great Depression, when frugal home cooks found ways to use overripe bananas instead of tossing them.
  • Cinnamon Rolls have Scandinavian roots, especially in Sweden, where “Kanelbullar” are a beloved treat served during “fika” (a coffee-and-cake break).
  • This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the moisture and richness of banana bread, with the indulgence and swirl of a cinnamon roll.

🍌 Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)

🥣 Instructions & Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
  2. Add in salt, then gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, or use a dough hook for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let it Rise

  1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Filling

  1. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll & Fill

  1. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  2. Spread the softened butter over the surface.
  3. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
  4. Roll tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

  1. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 baking pan.
  2. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

  1. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

  1. Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately and bask in the glory.

💘 Lovers of This Recipe

This recipe is for:

  • Banana bread lovers who want something extra special
  • Cinnamon roll addicts looking for a new twist
  • Brunch hosts who want a show-stopping centerpiece
  • Kids & adults alike — who can resist warm, gooey, banana-cinnamon swirls?

🌟 Pro Tips

  • Use super ripe bananas (brown, spotty ones) for the best flavor and moisture.
  • If you want to prep ahead, make the rolls and do the second rise overnight in the fridge.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a spiced kick.
  • Want it vegan? Use plant milk, vegan butter, and skip the egg!

📌 Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a celebration of comfort, flavor, and a little culinary creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend warrior, this recipe invites you to roll up your sleeves and bake something unforgettable.

With the natural sweetness of bananas, the cozy spice of cinnamon, and that creamy, dreamy frosting — these rolls don’t just feed the stomach; they feed the soul. 💛

🫶 Final Thoughts from the Lovers

“It’s like banana bread and cinnamon rolls had a baby — and it’s the best baby ever.”
“My kids devoured them before they even cooled down!”
“I made these for brunch, and everyone asked for the recipe!”

Would you like this in a printable format, or want a vegan or gluten-free version? I can do that too!

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